Anticipation was high for Microsoft heading into this year’s E3 festivities. They’ve made numerous studio acquisitions over the past 3 years, and 2021 seemed like the time for them to reveal many of the games they’ve been cooking up recently. The nearly 90-minute showcase was packed with over 30 games, so we’ve trimmed the offerings down to just the highlights. For the full show, check it out on YouTube.
Starfield
From the masterminds behind The Elder Scrolls and recent Fallout games, Bethesda Games Studio finally revealed the much anticipated Starfield, which was heralded as this studio’s first new IP in 25 years. While no gameplay was shown, we were treated with a nice teaser that gave us a glimpse into this exciting new universe. Also, Microsoft went on to dispel any rumors about Starfield’s exclusivity stating that the game would indeed be an Xbox and PC exclusive. Microsoft went on to confidently give Starfield a release date – November 11th, 2022 is when you’ll be able to get your hands on this hot new RPG from Bethesda.
Halo Infinite
Last time we checked in on Halo Infinite we got Craig. As genuinely endearing as Craig has become to the gaming community, it’s not exactly what you want people remembering your game for. With Xbox’s 2021 E3 showcase, it was time for 343 Studios to re-prove that Halo Infinite was in good hands and that the game was on track. While not as confident as Microsoft seemed to be about Starfield, Halo Infinite was given only a “Holiday 2021” release window. The good news though is the game looked outstanding. We got a good look at the multiplayer portion of the game, which will be free to play! The gameplay footage was chock full of classic recognizable Halo staples such as skulls and the announcer proudly stating “Double Kill!”.
The Outer Worlds 2
Obsidian Entertainment is busy! Not only did they show off some new Grounded content in today’s showcase, but they’re also hard at work on Avowed, an exciting new RPG. To cap everything off they announced today that The Outer Worlds 2 exists in decidedly self-deprecating fashion. Nothing else was learned about The Outer Worlds 2, but it was fun having a trailer poking fun at some of the very things they just pulled off with the Starfield trailer.
Redfall
Closing out the show was an extended look at a new game by Arkane’s Austin studio called Redfall. According to the official Bethesda website, Redfall is a “new co-op, open-world first-person shooter” where you can “play it solo or in co-op with up to four players to face off against a legion of vampires that have overtaken the once-quaint island town of Redfall.” Fans may recall that Arkane Austin is the developer behind Prey and Dishonored, so expect similar gameplay mechanics with this new world they’ve created. Check out the full trailer for Redfall here.
Replaced
One of the more intriguing titles shown, Replaced is a self-proclaimed “sci-fi, retro-futuristic action platformer” with absolutely incredible looking 2D pixel art. From developer Sad Cat Studios, this 2022 title will, of course, be a day 1 Game Pass game for Microsoft as well. Check out the awesome trailer for yourself.